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Medicaid Protesters Interrupt Mo. Senate Debate

Supporters of expanding Missouri’s Medicaid program briefly interrupted debate in the state Senate on May 6 to protest lawmakers’ refusal to accept federal dollars to expand the program. Photo: Andrew Kling/Communities Creating Opportunity

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JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) – More than 20 people have been arrested after demonstrators briefly interrupted debate in the Missouri Senate to protest lawmakers’ refusal to accept federal dollars to expand the state’s Medicaid program.

Protesters filled the public galleries, chanted and sang hymns during Senate debate Tuesday for about an hour. A spokesman for the Missouri Department of Public Safety says 23 people were arrested for refusing to leave after being asked by Capitol Police. They were checked for active arrest warrants, but were not handcuffed or taken into custody.

Supporters of expanding Missouri’s Medicaid program briefly interrupted debate in the state Senate on May 6 to protest lawmakers’ refusal to accept federal dollars to expand the program. Photo: Andrew Kling/Communities Creating Opportunity

Supporters say expanding the program will provide health care for about 300,000 Missourians who cannot afford private coverage. Opponents have raised concerns about the long-term costs.